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On the television set of ‘Lost,’ Master Sgt. Crystal Anderson has her picture taken with veteran actor Adewale Akinnuowy-Agbaje.
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By Pfc. Durwood Blackmon Staff Writer Lights, Camera, Action!
Imagine a job where your days would be spent rubbing shoulders with famous stars and basking in the bright lights of fame.
A taste of that dream became reality for one Soldier who took advantage of an opportunity to shine as an extra on an episode of the hit T.V. series "Lost."
Master Sgt. Crystal L. Anderson of Task Force 225 Aviation, S-3 noncommissioned officer in charge, received the chance of a lifetime while at restaurant one evening.
"I was actually at Molly's Smokehouse in Wahiawa, and the owner told me that the show was looking for someone with my features. She gave me the number of a lady and I called her.
"I filled out an application and gave her [the casting agent] a snapshot of myself. A week later she called and offered me a non-speaking role!" Anderson said.
The show Anderson applied for, ‘Lost,' is the Emmy award-winning adventure series about a group of individuals stranded on a Pacific island after their airplane crashes.
A star in the making
Anderson, 35, from Asbury Park, New Jersey, has spent the last 17 years perfecting her role as a Soldier. She was thrilled at the chance to test her skills on a movie set.
" It was fun. We did over 50 takes and it took all day. I can honestly say being able to do something like that is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I really enjoyed it."
Anderson portrayed a member in a church congregation. The scene was designed to depict the mental flashback of a character in the show named Mr. Eko, played by veteran actor Adewale Akinnuowy-Agbaje.
"Mr. Eko is from Nigeria and is king of the warlords," explained Anderson. "The scene is set in a chapel that Mr. Eko enters with other warlords -- asking his brother, a minister in the church, to sign a statement ordaining him as a minister.
"As Mr. Eko enters the church, we are all frightened because we know of his reputation. The minister ushers me and the other church members out of the church, so only two warlords, Mr. Eko and his brother, are left," Anderson continued.
Despite the pleasure of working with celebrities on the set, Anderson discovered that acting is not all fun and games.
"I truly know why actors and actresses get paid a lot of money. It's hard work. The cameras are hot and there are so many takes.
Although the long hours and multiple takes can deplete energy, Anderson's soldiering skills became a useful asset to her when the going got tough. The Army instills patience and focus that helps during repetitiveness. The discipline the military provides is invaluable, Anderson explained. Working on a set with a famous actor, tempered by the excitement of being on television can be a bit overwhelming. Trying to remain professional can be a job in itself, she added.
"The most difficult part was trying to keep from getting over-excited from seeing the stars. I really had to refrain myself and mentally focus," said Anderson.
Anderson appreciated the small but definitive role.
"It was a good experience and I enjoyed myself. It felt like I had just won an Emmy in my own little world. I felt privileged and honored," she explained.
As millions of people turn on their television to watch "Lost," Wednesday, they will catch a brief look at one of the Army's best and brightest gracing the screen.
The show will forever live in Anderson's memory as a glimpse into the life of stardom so few will ever experience, she said.
A true survivor
In relation to the show's characters, Anderson has the heart of a true survivor. She displayed great courage as she fought and defeated a deadly bout with cancer.
To be victorious over such an opposing foe as cancer, Anderson reached deep down to pull strength and motivation from the most important factors in her life to stay alive.
"What actually keeps me motivated are my mother and my sister. They are my strength and they are my rock." Anderson emphasized. "Those important people, constant prayer and being in that situation will keep you motivated. If not, you won't survive."
A dedicated Soldier, survivor and role model by any standards, Anderson has achieved a great deal of success. No matter where the future takes her, she will always own a little piece of Hollywood magic that can never be "Lost."